Automatic photographic apparatus.



No. 708,|66. Patented Sept. 2, I902.

' G. N. PIFEB. 7

AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPH") APPARATUS.

'- (Applicationflled Dec. 13, 1901.)

(No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet I.

WITNESSES [N VEN TOR.

'No. 7D8,|66.- Patented Sept. 2, I902. G. N. PIFER.

AUTOMATIC PHOTOGBAPHIC APPARATUS.

(Application file'd De. 13, 1901. (No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 2.

llllllll I y WITNESSES @QWAW IN VENTOR.

A TORNE Y.

. Patented Sept. 2, I902, G. N. PIFER. AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPH"; APPARATUS.

(Application filed Dec. 18, 1901.) (No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 3.

[N VEN TOR. & 1K0;

A ORNE) WITNESSES Patented Sept. 2, 1902.

v a. N, PIFEB.

AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPH) APPARATUS.

(Application filed Dec. 13, 1901.)

8 Sheets-Sheet 4'.

(N0 Nodal.)

TNESSE;

No. 708,l66. Patented Sept. 2, I902.

a. N. PIPER. AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS.

(Application filed Dec. 13, 1901.)

(No model.)

8 Sheets-Sheet 5.

WITNESSES: WMM I B) 1N VEN TOR.

Patented Sept. 2, I902.

G. N. PIFEB. AUTOMATIC PHOTDGRAPHIC APPARATUS.

(Application filed Dec. 13, 1901.)

8 Sheets$heet 6.

(No Model.)

l/WENTOR.

WITNESSES 6M @w THE N'onms warms co, PHOTD-LITHO. waswucn'o N0. 708,!66.-Patented Sept. 2, I902.

G.-N. PIFER. AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPH) APPARATUS.

(Application filed Dec 13, 1901.) (N0 M bL) 8 Sheets-Sheet 7.

W] TNESSES EN TOR.

JJ/ BY 57 ORNE).

Patented Sept. 2, 1902.

a. N. PIFER. AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHiG APPARATUS.

{Applicatioil filed Dec. 13, 1901.)

8 Sheets-Sheet 8..

JNVENTOR.

{No Mo del.)

WITNESSES:

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE N. PIFER, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE AMERICAN AUTOMATICPHOTOGRAPHIC COMPANY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, A COR- PORATION O F OHIO.

AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 708,166, datedSeptember 2, 1902. Application filed December 18. 1901. Serial No.85,730. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern/.-

Beitknown that I, GEORGE N. PIFER, a citizen of the United States, and aresident of Cleveland, county of Cuyahoga, and State of Ohio, haveinvented a new and useful Improvement in Automatic PhotographicApparatus,of which the following is a specification, the principle ofthe invention being herein explained and the best mode in which I havecontemplated applying thatprinciple, so as to distinguish it from otherinventions.

My invention relates to coin-controlled machines for automaticallyproducing a photographic likeness, its object being to produce a deviceof such character which will embody in its design economy ofconstruction and operation, simplicity, and efficiency in a moreadvantageous degree than has heretofore been obtained in any machinehaving a similar function heretofore constructed and of which I haveknowledge. Said invention consists of means hereinafter described, andspecifically set forth in the claims.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detailcertain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed meansconstituting but one of various mechanical forms in which the principleof the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawings, Figure I represents a front elevation of adevice embodying my invention, showing the form of inclosing box orcasing as particularly designed for being hung upon a wall. Fig. IIrepresents a similar front elevation showing the front portion of thecasing open and exposing to View the interior mechanism of the device.Fig. III represents a side elevation of the device with one of the sidesof the casing removed, showing the interior mechanism in side elevation.Fig. III represents a detail vertical section of the' discharging-tn be.Figs. IV, V, and VI represent diagrammatic views of electrical circuitsemployed in said device. Fig. VII represents an enlarged front elevationof the main portion of the operating mechanism. Fig. VII represents adetail end elevation of a portion of the motor-controlling means. Fig.VIII represents a vertical sectional view of the mechanism shown in Fig.VII, such view being taken upon the plane indicated by the line 8 S,Fig. VII, and viewed in the directionindicated by the arrow on the leftof said figure. Fig. VIII represents a detail plan view of theplate-feedingslideway. Fig. IX represents a side elevation of saidmechanism, on an enlarged scale, viewed in the direction indicated bythe arrow on the right of Fig. VII, showing a portion of the frameworkbroken away to expose the mechanism located behind it. Fig. X representsa vertical sectional view of said mechanism, taken upon the planeindicated by the line 10 10, Fig. VII, and viewed in the directionindicated by the arrow on the left of Fig. VII. Fig. XI represents aplan view of one of the plate-carrying holders used in transferring aplate from one finishing solution to the next. Fig. XII represents adetail view of the construction employed for disconnecting theoperating-lever from the motor on completion of its energizing stroke,and Fig. XIII a plan view of the plate-slide.

A box or casing A of suitable form is provided for receiving theinterior or operating mechanism of the device, the front of such castingbeing provided with a coin-aperture a, Fig. I, through which the coinfor controlling the apparatus is introduced, such aperture communicatingwith the upper end of a coin-duct B, Fig. II. An aperture ct, coveredwith colored non-actinic glass, is formed in said front and provides asight for the lower end of said duct, by means of which the coin may beseen before dropping from said duct. A third aperture a is provided andforms an opening for admission of light into the camera through the lens0. Upon the outside of said casing is secured a suitable finder-mirrorF,such mirror being preferably that shown and described in myapplication for United States Letters Patent filed October 25, 1901,Serial No. 79,996.

The interior or operating mechanism consists generally of aplate-magazine M, Fig. II, a camera C, including the lens C, a motor Eand gear for engaging same, coin-controlled means for controlling theoperation of said motor, plate-feeding means, means for operating thecamera-shutter, and a series of finishing-baths T, T, T and T andmechanism for carrying a photographic plate from one to the other ofsuch baths and finally ejecting same from the device, such platefeeding,shutter-operating, and plate-carrying means being operated by said motoror controlled by means connected therewith. The magazine M is of theconstruction shown, described, and claimed in my application for UnitedStates Letters Patent filed October 25, 1901, Serial No. 79,994, and theplate used in the device is preferably that shown, described, andclaimed in my application for United States Letters Patent filed on theabove-named date, Serial No. 79,995.

The camera employed consists merely of a lens, a shutter, and means forreceiving and holding a plate at a focal plane, the casing A being madelight-tight, thereby eliminating the necessity for a separatelight-excluding casing for the camera. All the parts above described andtheir relations with one another will hereinafter be specificallydescribed.

The main frame G is supported upon a transverse shelf D, Fig. II, andsupports upon the right, as viewed in Fig. VII, a spring-motor E, bymeans of which an operating-shaft E is rotated. The mot-or is mountedupon a shaft c, Fig. IX, upon which are secured two pinions e and e,pinion e meshing with a segment 6 secured to ashaft 6 the outer end ofwhich latter extends laterally through the casing A, as shown in Fig.II. Upon such outer end is secured an operating-leverE Pinion e mesheswith a train of gears, one of which, 6 is mounted upon theoperating-shaft E. By pulling down lever E the motor may he energized,and upon the release of the lever at the end of its energizing strokethe motor may be caused to rotate the operating-shaft in the directionindicated by the arrow upon gear a Fig. IX. The arrangement of themotor, pinions, operatingshaft, and operating-lever in so far as relatesto the mere rotation of the operating-shaft need not be furtherdescribed, since in this respect the construction is old and well known.It is hence sufficient to state that the motoris energized by thedownward stroke of lever E whereupon the shaft E may be rotated, asuitable governor D being connected therewith to effect a predeterminedvelocity of rotation. A stud e is secured upon the operating-lever andupon the inside of same, which limits and determines the downwardmovement thereof by contacting the casing A, as shown in dotted lines inFig. II. Said lever E is secured to the shaft 6, so as to automaticallybecome disconnected therefrom upon reaching the end of its energizingstroke and reen'gage same when the segment has reached its original orinitial position after the completion of the operation of the motor, aswill hereinafter appear. Upon the inner end of the operating-shaft issecured a disk E to which I shall hereinafter refer by the termoperating-wheel.

Said

wheel is provided upon its periphery with a notch 6 Fig. X, in whichrests a stop-arm or detent 71- of mechanism for controlling the motorsoperation, Figs. VII and IX. While such arm rests in said notch therotation of the operating-wheel is prevented and the motor therebyrendered inoperative when in its energized as well as in itsnon-energized condition. Said stop-arm is secured to a sleeve 71,loosely and oscillatorily mounted upon an oscillatory rod M, Fig. VII,mounted in the frame G. Secured upon said rod is an arm J, Fig. VIII, tothe outer end of which is attached the lens opening and closing shutter0. Said arm is provided with a shoulder 7', which is engaged by a hingedarmature 7a of a magnet K when the shutter is closed, as shown in Fig.VIII. Such engagement is maintained by a helical spring 71 Fig. VII,secured to the rod 7L2 and frame, respectively. Said spring is set intension, so as to raise the shut-ter to its open position when armature7c is lifted from engagement with the arm J, as shown in dotted lines insaid Fig. VIII.

Sleeve h act-uates the detent h, as will hereinafter appear.

It is therefore seen that the armature 7t, arm J and its actuatingmeans, and detent it constitute means for controlling the operation ofthe motor, the magnet controlling the operation of the said arm and thelatter actu ating the detent, such magnet also controlling the operationof the shutter-operating means. These latter means hence actuate thatpart of the controlling means which directly controls the motorsoperationthat is, the dedetent h, whereby the latter is released from Ithe notch e and the motor permitted to operate, the recess 7L beinglocated so as to effect such action. This described construction henceallows the rod h and arm J to be moved back and the shutter to be closedindependently of the detent h.

Upon the inner end of the operatingshaft E is secured, by means of athumb-nut e Fig. X, a radially-adjustable arm B, such adjustment beingobtained by loosening and then tightening said thumb-nut, as will bereadily understood. The end of such arm which is uppermost when theoperating-wheel ha, and the shutter thereby closed, so as to exclude thelight from the lens. The opposite end of such arm is provided with anindicating-pointer 6 and the adjacent portion of the operating-wheelface is angularly divided by radial lines into spaces representingseconds of time, the divisions being hence angular in length andcorresponding with the distance traversed by the wheel during the periodof one second. It is therefore seen that the interval intermediate ofthe time of opening and closing the shutter may be definitely determinedand varied by shifting the position of said arm. The indicating-marksare located and numbered so as to accurately indicate in seconds thelength of such interval.

An electrical alarm-circuit L, Fig. II, is provided, containing a bellZ, located at a con venient point from whence it may be readily heardand includes a pair of contacts Z and 1 Fig. VII, located in thevicinity of the shutter-operating arm J, these contacts being out ofengagement when the shutter is in its closed position. One of saidcontacts is locatedin the path of movement of the said arm, so that onthe upward movement of the latter electrical connection is effected, thecircuit closed, and the alarm sounded during the time theshutteroccupiesits open position. Such circuit and its relationship withthe shutter are diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. V. Upon the upperportion of the frame G is se cured a tubular magazine-seat G, in whichthe magazineMistelescoped. Immediatelybelow the lower end ofsaid seat isasquare aperture 9 of less diameter than the plates m in the magazine.Transversely of the bottom of said seat is a slideway g, which forms alateral opening 9 through which the plates may be removed successively,as will hereinafter be described. In said slideway is a slide N, havingan opening 71, adapted to receive a plate. In the rear end of saidslideway is formed a semicircular opening g having its curved side onthe side farthest toward and the straight side farthest away from themagazine, as shown in Fig. VIII. The front end of said slide N isengaged by a lever O, which is secured to an oscillatory shaft 0,jonrnaled in the upper front portion of the frame, Figs. VII and VIII.The right-hand end of said shaft is provided with a crank arm 0, towhich is attached a connecting-rod 0', whose lower end is attached tothe segment 6 The connections between the segment and slide abovedescribed are arranged in a manner such that the opening '21 will fallimmediately below the magazine when the operating-lever E isoccupyingits upperpositionthatis,thatwhich it occupies at the beginningof its energizing stroke-such relative position of these two elementsbeing shown in Fig. VIII. The oscillation of lever E is hence, as isseen, attended by the reciprocation of slide N. The length of travel ofsaid slide is such as to carrya plate from the magazine over the opening9 and permit same to drop through such opening. Such openingcommunicates with a chute G which leads downwardly, as is shown in saidFig. VIII. The plates are placed in the magazine with their sensitizedsurfaces up, so that such surface of the lowermost plate is not exposedwhen it is necessary for the purpose of repairs or adjustment to openthe front of the casing. It is necessary to transport the plates fromthe magazine and cause them to fall into the chute G2 withtheirsensitized surface toward the front, so as to bring such surfacesinto the desired focal plane. Such desired result is effected by thepeculiar form and location of the opening g As before stated, thisopening is semicircular in form, such statement, however, describing itbut generally. Its actual form is that of a semicircle plus anadditional area ofa width notless thanthe diameter ofthe semicircle.Such diameter is made slightly greater than that of a plate. Hence whena plate moves over the said opening it remains in the slideway until thecenters of the semicircle and the plate coincide, at which point thecenter of gravity of the plate falls without the base or supportingportion of the slideway, thus causing the plate to fall forward and dropinto the chute with its sensitized face forward, as is required. Acovering G is provided for excluding the light from the slideway and isprovided with a concave portion g" over the opening which permits theplate to tilt while dropping through the latter. At the front of thedevice is provided a coinduct 13, as before mentioned, such duct beingflared at its upper end, the front lip of such flaring portion being inclose proximity to the coin-slot Cb when the casing is closed, so that acoin may be introduced into same from the exterior. The lower part ofsaid duct is curved toward one side-the left, as illustrated-to avoidintercepting the light,which it is desired to allow to enter thelens-aperture (t and intermediate of its ends is formed a slot 1), intowhich projects a wing 0 forming part of the slide-operating lever O andwhich normally intercepts the coin-path and prevents a coin fromdropping to the bottom of the duct until the slide N is moved backwardits full distance-that is, until the operating-lever has reached the endof its energizing stroke.

Immediately below the aperture g, Fig. VIII, is located the cup-shapedend of a lever G which is connected by means ofarod g with anoscillatory lever G, one arm of which is capable of being swung into theupper portion of the coin-duct through an opening b and thus intersectthe upper end of the coin-path. This end of said lever G is madesufliciently wide to effectually obstruct the coin-path and prevent theintroduction of a coin. Normally said lever end is caused to lie outsideof such path. On the removal of the last plate of the magazine theweight M, describedin my above-named application, Serial.No.79,9flet,dropsinto the cup-shaped end of ICO 19, Fig. III, secured toa rock-shaft 29 lever G5 and by its weight tilts the lever G so as toeffectually prevent the subsequent intro duction of a coin. Suchobstruction remains until the weight is removed. This is done onreloading the machine with a filled magazine. The manner of such loadingis fully described in my above-named application and hence need not behere specifically described. At the bottom of said duct and laterally ofthe coin-path is a pair of electrical contacts, one of which consists ofan elastic metal strip 19 and the other of which consists of anadjustable screw p, secured to an oscillatory arm P, suitably journaledupon the frame and connected with and operated by a rod P, whose rearend is connected with an oscillatory arm Said shaft extends transverselyto the right and has its extremity formed with an angularly-projectinglip 19 which normally intersects the path of the lower end of theadjustable shutteroperating arm E, which is provided with alaterally-projecting lip a, Fig. VII, adapted to engage the projectinglip p oscillate rockshaft 19 and through the medium of rod P oscillatearm P. Normallythat is, when no coin is locatedin the bottom oft-hecoin-duct the position of arm P is such as to bring the screw-contact pdirectly to the right of the spring-contact b, but not into contacttherewith. Upon introducing a coin into the coinduct and permitting itto fall to the lower end thereof it strikes contact I) and moves sameinto contact with contact 1). The latter is, however, placed at adistance such as to prevent contact 17 from moving a distance sufficientto permit such coin to drop out of the duct. The coin is thus heldsuspended and the two contacts in contact with each other. It is henceseen that the oscillation of arm P would disengage the two contacts andpermit the coin to drop from the coinduct. The rock-shaft p is journaledimmediately behind the chute G Fig. VIII, and upon it is secured a valveP which normally holds a plate which has been discharged, as previouslydescribed, from the slideway through the aperture g its location beingsuch as to effect such holding so as to bring the plates sensitizedsurface into the focal plane of the camera directly behind the lens, asshown in said figure. It is hence seen that the breaking of contact ofthe two contacts I) andp may be attended by the release of aplate fromthe bottom of chute G as a result of the engagement of the lips e and 9The said two contacts, as diagrammatically illustrated in Fig; IV, areplaced in the same circuit with the magnet K, and in this same circuitare placed two other contacts is and k in a position such that, as shownFig. IX,

- they will be brought into contact by the segnient e at the end of theenergizing stroke of the operating-lever E. A third pair of contacts areincluded in this same circuit and are located in a handle Q upon theoutside of the casing and connected by means of a suitable flexibleconnection q, whereby it may be hung upon a hook a or removed therefromand carried about. These contacts, normally open, are caused to engageby means of a push-button q. Such construction is shown diagrammaticallyin Fig. 1V.

Suitable batteries R, Figs. II and III, are provided in the bottom ofthe casing for providing current for the electrical circuits described.

A chute G leads from valve P to the right, as shown in Fig. VII.

To the lower part of the main frame G are seon red two hangers, Figs.VIIand IX, G7 and G in which are jonrnaled four transversely-locatedrock-shafts s, and upon the middle portion of each such shaft is securedat its upper peripheral portion a plate-carrier S, S, S and Srespectively, of frusto-conical shape and having its bottom open orperforated and its sides provided with perforations, as shown in Fig.IX. The inner-surface of each carrier is of curved formation, wherebythe sensitized or film surface of a plate is prevented from coming intocontact therewith and becoming defaced. Each carrier depends into a tankT, T, T and T respectively, these tanks being juxtaposed, as shown, andcontaining the developing, rinsing, and fixing liquids, the rearmosttank containing the developer, the next toward the front a rinsing orwashingliquid, such as water,the next a fixing solution, and theforemost a second Washing liquid, tank T being located beneath chute GEach rock-shaft is provided with a rockerarm 3, to which is secured arod s s s and .9 respectively. The upper end of each such rod is securedto a trip-lever s, and 8 respectively, all of which are mounted so as toaline transversely and oscillate upon a rod 8 Fig. X, secured in theframe, as shown in Fig. VII. Each trip-lever is provided with a shoulders, and .9 respectively. By engaging these shoulders successively it isseen that the plate'carriers may be caused to tilt forward and out ofthe tanks successively so as to discharge a plate from one tank into thenext. To effect such successive tilting, the operating-wheel E isprovided with four laterally-projecting lugs to, u, 10 and 10,respectively, lugs u and it being formed upon an arm U, angularlyadjustable upon and secured to shaft E by means of the thumb-nut a Thepath of lug u intersects the shoulder s of lever 5 which is connected,as shown, with the carrier S, depending into the developing-solutiontank T; that of lug to intersects shoulder 3 of lever 3 which operatesthe next carrier S, depending into tank T; that of lug 1L2 intersectingshoulder s of lever 5 and that of lug a intersecting shoulders of levers, which are connected by the described lever systems with carriers Sand S depending into tanks T and T respectively. Lugs w and u arepermanently secured to the operating-wheel. It is hence seen that byvarying the angular position of IIO roams arm U the intervalintermediate of the time of starting the motor and the engagement of lugit with lever s may be varied so that a plate having been previouslydischarged into carrier S, the length of time such plate may be left inthe developing solution in tank T may be varied according to thecharacter of such solution. Arm U is provided with a pointer o which, inconnection with the indicating-marks on the operating-wheel, may be usedfor definitely determining the length of time during which it is desiredto subject the plate to the action of the developer. The angulardistance between lugs u and u hence determines the time of washing theplate, and since this time may be made practically constant it ispreferable to form such lug on the arm U, as shown. Similarly thedistance between lugs 16 and its is made constant. The variation of timefor fixing occasioned by varying the distance between lugs 1t and n as aresult of any variation of the angular location of arm U does notappreciably effect the fixing operation, since the time of the latter isvery much greater than the time of developing or washing, as is shown bythe comparative distances between lugs u'and u, a and u and u and a Inthe front wall of the casing and in proximity to the foremost tank T isa dischargingtube V, having its receiving-opening o located in thelateral tube-wall and upon the inside of the casing in a position suchthat the carrier S will upon being tilted discharge a plate into suchopening. Said tube extends downwardly upon the outside of the casing andis provided with a dischargeopening n, Fig. III, below which and removeda short distance therefrom is a portion 22 extending transversely of thetubebore and forming a receiving-cup and also serving to prevent directrays of light from entering the tube. This portion o and the location ofthe receiving-opening together diffuse the light to such an extent thatpractically no actinic rays reach the interior of the casing. A pipe 11is connected with an opening '0 in the bottom of cup v and dischargesinto a suitable receptacle W upon the inside of the casing, Fig. II.

In order that after moving the operatinglever throughout the length ofits engaging stroke it may not again be actuated so as to effect theoperation of the mechanism, I provide means for disconnecting such leveron reaching the end of such stroke. To this end I provide upon the sideof segment a nearest lever E a pawl e Said lever is loosely mounted uponshaft e and is provided with a notch 6 which is engaged by said pawl.Such engagement is maintained by means of a spring 6 which rests upon alug 6 formed upon said pawl. At a point near the end of the energizingpath of movement of the segment is an adjustable screw g, mounted in theframe G, adapted to engage said pawl and disengage same from said lever,said spring maintaining such disengagement by pressing upon the oppositeside of said lug. A helical spring 6 Fig. VII, is connected with thelever E and carries same when released upwardly into its initialposition, the segment meanwhile being drawn slowly down by the motor. Asecond adjustable screw is secured to the frame near the other end ofthe segments path of movement, so that upon reaching such end the pawlis engaged from the opposite side and pushed over into its initialposition, thereby reengaging the lever.

The construction having been described, I shall now describe theoperation of the device.

A coin is dropped into the slot a and passes down the duct B until it isarrested by the obstructing wing 0 The subject having removed the handleQ from its supportinghook now pulls down the lever E until the stud eengages the side of the casing. Such action disengages the lever, asabove described, which upon being released is returned to its initialposition by spring 6 Such operation of the lever removes wing o from theduct and permits the coin to drop and effect contact between thecont-acts b and p, the segment a having meanwhile effected contactbetween the contacts k and and also removes the lowermost plate on fromthe magazine, such plate having previously dropped into aperture n ofcarrier N. Said plate is then carried back, dropped through aperture gand permitted to fall upon valve P where it isheld in the focal plane.These functions are all performed before the exposing operation. Thesubject having assumed by the aid of the finder the proper position withreference to the camera, as described in my above-named application,Serial No. 79,996, then presses the button q. Such action completes themagnet-circuit, and the current, passing through magnet K, releases armJ, which is then moved upwardly by the spring 7L5, carrying with it theshutter c, the rod W, and hence the detent h. The operating-wheel beingnow free, the motor starts its rotary movement, exposure of the platemeanwhile taking place. Such lifting of the shutter permits the contactsZ and Z to engage and close the bellcircuit, the bell thereby beingcaused to ring during the exposing process and permitting the subject tobe notified of the time of the exposure in order that he may remainin1movable during such period. After the lapse of time determined by theangular position of arm E lip e engages lip 71 and turns back rod 712,thereby returning the shutter to its closed position and breaking thebell-circuit. Meanwhile segment a has traversed some distance on itsreturn travel and broken the magnet-circuit by permitting contacts 75and k to disengage. Such circuit may also be broken by releasing thebutton q; but contacts 7t and k are provided for insuring such breakingindependently of. the operator,therebypreventingthearmaturefromremaining in its raised position afterthe beginning of the operation. This insures the absolute equality anddefiniteness of length of exposure, inasmuch as its absence would permitthe operator to repeat the exposure by continuing to press the buttonduring the interval between the return or closing of the shutter anddischarge of the coin from the ductthat is, the breaking of the circuitat the contacts p and bsince the armature would not be in position tolock the arm J at the end of the downstroke of the latter. Hence theinstant the said circuit is broken the armature is drops and is inposition to catch and hold arm J. Said arm on being drawn down by theaction of the lip e is so caught and held throughout the remainder ofthe operation. The rotation of the operating-wheel meanwhile continues,detent h riding upon its periphery. Immediately following theabove-described operation lip e engages the ofiset lip p opens valve Pthereby permitting the exposed plate to drop into the carrier S throughchute G and thus into the developing solution. At the same time contactp is withdrawn from its engagement with contact Z) by the action of therockshaft 19 thus permitting the coin to become disengaged from the duct13 and drop into a suitable receptacle beneath. The continued rotationof the operating wheel now brings the lugs u, a, a and u intoengagement, respectively and successively,with triplevers s s s and 8whereby the carriers S, S, 8 and S are successively tilted and the platedumped from the rearmost tank into each successive tank and finally intothe delivery or discharge tube V and cup 12 from whence it may beremoved by the subject. At the completion of such operation, which takesplace throughout one complete rotation of the operating-wheel, detent 7treengages notch e and stops the motor. For this purpose the rod h2 isprovided With an arm 71 Fig. VII, which engages and stops the governorD, thereby interrupting'the operation of the motor. Segment 6 has at thesame time reached the end of its return travel and reengaged theoperating-lever E and slide N has returned and received the lowermostplate m in its aperture, the entire mechanism being thus ready for arepetition of the complete operation above described. When the platesare exhausted, as previously described, the lever G tilts forward andobstructs the upper end of the coin-duct, so as to prevent thesubsequent introduction of a coin. Such action hence effectually locksthe device and prevents the further operation of the mechanism, therebyprohibiting the loss of a coin, which might otherwise occur were suchobstruction absent and also prohibiting the unnecessary or unproductiveoperation of the mechanism. It is also seen that by reason of the fixedrelationship existing between the roams means for operating theshutter-closing mech anism-that is, the lip e and lip e -the platescannot be discharged from the focal plane until the exposure iscomplete, such discharge always occurring after the shutter is closed.

In addition to the above-described mechanism I also provide meansoperating in connection therewith for producing an artificial actiniclight, preferably an electric-arc light. To this end I provide inproximity to the hook a two contacts a and a one of which a is of thespring variety and located so as to normally open and break amagnet-circuit Y. An armature Y, operable by magnet y in said circuit,is provided with a switch member 11 of a switch in an arc-lamp circuit Ynormally open. The contact 61, is located so as to become engaged by thehandle Q to disengage contact a when the said handle is hung in the hooka Upon removal of said handle from the hook, contacts a and a eugage,complete the circuit Y, whereby the magnet becomes excited and attractsthe armature Y, thus closing the switch and the circuit Y and lightingthe arc-lamp. Such lamp is placed in a location such as to properlyilluminate the subject when in proper position before the camera.

Other modes of applying the principle of myinvention may be employedinstead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanismherein disclosed, provided the means stated by any one of the followingclaims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as myinvention 1. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of aphotographic magazine, a motor, means for energizing said motor, meansfor feeding a plate from said magazine, such energizing andplate-feeding means being operatively connected whereby a plate may befed simultaneously with the energizing of the motor.

2. In automatic photographic apparatus,

the combination of a plate-magazine, a mo.- tor, an operating-lever forenergizing said motor, and a reciprocatory slide positively connectedwith said lever for feeding a plate from said magazine.

3. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of aplate-magazine, a motor, an operating-lever for energizing said motor,and means for feeding a plate from said magazine and positivelyconnected with said lever.

4. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a motor, aplate-magazine, an operating-lever for energizing said motor, means forfeeding a plate from such magazine and controlled by the operation ofsaid lever, and plate exposing and finishing means controlled by suchlever.

5. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a motor, aplate-magazine,

an operating-lever for energizing said motor, means for feeding aplatefrom said magazine and controlled by the operation of said lever, andplate exposing and finishing means controlled by said lever and operatedby said motor.

6. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a motor, aplate-magazine, an operating-lever for energizing said motor, means forfeeding a plate from said magazine and controlled by the operation ofsaid lever, plate exposing and finishing means operated by said motor,and an electric circuit containing means for controlling the action ofthe motor, such circuit being controlled by said operating-lever.

7. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a motor, aplate-magazine, an operating-lever for energizing said motor, means forfeeding a plate from said magazine, plate exposing and finishing meansoperated by said motor, an electric circuit containing a magnet, meansfor interrupting the action of such motor controlled by said magnet, andcircuit-closing means operated by said operating-lever. V

8. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a motor, aplate-magazine, an operating-lever for energizing said motor, means forfeeding a plate from said magazine, a shutter for exposing a plate andmeans for operating same, plate-finishing means operated by said motor,an electric circuit containing means for controlling the opening of saidshutter, means for closing the latter, means for interrupting the actionof the motor, means in said circuit for controlling such interruptingmeans, such circuit being controlled by said operating-lever, and meansoperated by the motor for actuating the finishing means subsequently tothe opening and closing of the shutter.

9. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a motor, aplate-magazine, an operating-lever for energizing said motor, means forfeeding a plate from said magazine and operated by said lever, a shutterfor exposing a plate and means for opening same, an operating-wheelconnected with said motor, plate-finishing means, an electric circuitcontaining a magnet, an armature controlled by said magnet, means forinterrupting said motors action controlled by said armature, saidoperating-wheel adapted to actuate the finishing means and close theshutter, and said lever adapted to control said circuit.

10. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a series ofreceptacles for holding material for finishing a photographic plate, anoperating-wheel, and means for transferring a plate from one receptacleto another, said wheel provided with means for successively operatingsuch transferring means.

11. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination with a seriesof receptacles for holding materials for finishing a photographic plate,each said receptacle provided with a movable carrier for receiving aplate, such carrier adapted to transfer such plate from its respectivereceptacle to the next carrier, of means forsuccessively actuating suchcarriers.

12. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination with a seriesof receptacles for holding material for finishing a photographic plate,each such receptacle provided with a tilting carrier adapted to transfera plate from its respective receptacle to the next, of means forsuccessively tilting said carriers.

13. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a series ofreceptacles for holding material for finishing a photographic plate,each such receptacle provided with a carrier for receiving and holdingsuch plate, each carrier being. movable and adapted to transfer suchplate from its respective receptacle to another carrier.

1%. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a series ofreceptacles for holding material for finishing a photographic plate,each such receptacle provided with a carrier depending therein forreceiving and holding such plate, each carrier adapted to transfer aplate from its respective receptacle to another carrier.

15. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a series oftanks, a series of movable carriers, a carrier being located in eachtank, and an operating wheel and motor therefor, said wheel providedwith means for actuating said carriers successively.

16. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a series oftanks, a series of movable carriers, a carrier being located in eachtank, a series of lever systems connected with said carriers and adaptedto actuate same, and an operating Wheel and motor therefor, said wheelprovided with means for actuating said lever systems successively.

17. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination ofa series oftanks, a series of movable carriers, a carrier being located in eachtank, a series of lever systems connected with said carriers and adaptedto actuate same, and an operating wheel and motor therefor, said wheelprovided with a series of projecting studs, each stud adapted to engageand actuate one of said lever systems.

18. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a series ofjuxtaposed tanks, a series of tiltable carriers, a carrier being locatedin each tank, a series of lever systems connected with said carriers andadapted to tilt same, said systems including a row of alined tripmembers; an operating wheel and motor therefor, said wheel beingprovided with a series of projecting studs having a path of movementintersecting said trip members, whereby the latter may be engaged andsaid carriers tilted successively.

' 19. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a tank, aplate-carrier ICC mounted upon a support permanently located relativelyto said tank so as to be movable into and outof the latter, and meansfor automatically actuating such carrier.

20. In automatic photographic apparatus, a discharging-duct of tubularform having its receiving-end opening located in the lateral wall of theupper portion thereof.

21. In automatic photographic apparatus, a discharging-duct consistingof a tube having a receiving-opening in the lateral Wall of the uppertube portion and a lower portion removed from and projectingtransversely of the tube-bore.

22. In automatic photographic apparatus, a discharging-duct consistingof a tube having a receivingopening at its upper end, adischarge-opening at its lower end, and a lower portion removed fromsaid opening and projecting transversely of the tube-bore.

23. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a bath fordeveloping a photographic plate, means for removing said plate from saidbath, and an operating-wheel provided with an angularly-adjustable armfor actuating said removing means, said Wheel being provided with marksindicating angular intervalsof wheel travel, said arm provided with anindicating-pointer located in the vicinity of the marked portion of saidwheel.

2 1. In automatic photographic apparatus, the combination of a camera, ashutter therefor, and means for operating same, platefeeding, means andmeans for operating same, plate finished means, a motor, and meansactuated by the shutter-operating means for controlling the operationthereof, said finisl1- ing means operated by said motor. v

25. In automatic photographi apparatus, the combination of a camera, ashutter therefor and means for operating same, plate feeding andfinishing means, a motor, means actuated by the shutter-operating meansfor controlling the operation of the motor, said finishing meansoperated by said motor, said shutter-operating means controlled by theenergizing means.

Signed by me this 10th day of November, 1901.

GEORGE N. PIFER.

Attest:

A. E. MERKEL, D. T. DAVIES,

